The Snow Angel by SunsetMiko

The Nerves

Chapter 226 - The Nerves

*Busy Time* (Stella's Soundtrack Challenge 2)

He knew he was risking a lot: his new position at the palace, his new room, perhaps even his life. He finished his masterpiece, and now Seiko was nervous. It was time to show his Lord and Lady the painting he had done in his spare time of the beautiful new Lady of the West. It had come out perfectly, and he was certain Lord Sesshoumaru would love it, but he wasn't so sure he would approve of his doing so without permission, and so the dungeon-master turned painter hesitated. If his Lord were to become angry with him, he might end up right back down in the dungeons, perhaps even as a prisoner this time.

Seiko was in Sesshoumaru's study with Atsushi and the new scribe, looking over the copied books when Sesshoumaru came in. The taiyoukai nodded at them in greeting before heading over himself. He knew that his angel would want to go home soon to speak with her mother about not returning again, and she wanted to take her books back with her. He only hoped that they finished the task.

"Are the copies completed?" Sesshoumaru asked.

"Yes, my Lord," Atsushi responded. He had been working hard to make sure the new scribe did acceptable work while also completing his tasks as Sesshoumaru's assistant. The books were perfect in his eyes, and he hoped that Sesshoumaru would agree.

"And the paintings?"

"Yes, my Lord," Seiko replied. Everyone looked on nervously as Sesshoumaru inspected their work. The taiyoukai flipped through the pages, comparing the copies to the originals, before standing once more with a satisfied smirk.

*Justice Blooming Out of Season* (Stella's Soundtrack Challenge 2)

"Wonderful work, all of you," the taiyoukai told them, shocking all three males. Their Lord had never been one to compliment good work, only to criticize the bad. Their Lady was changing him in so many ways, and all for the better.

"Thank you, my Lord," they all said, bowing low before the taiyoukai, who turned his attention to Atsushi.

"Are there any scrolls that need my attention?" he asked. He left someone else in charge of his duties for the first time, and he was interested to see how it worked out.

Seiko sat in silence as he watched the exchange between Atsushi and Lord Sesshoumaru. The pair discussed all of the scrolls received during the Lord's absence, as well as the few mating gifts that had arrived. The painter waited until they were finished before speaking.

"My Lord," he said softly, his nervousness obvious.

"Yes, Seiko?" Sesshoumaru asked, wondering why the painter was still there.

"There is something I would like to show you," he replied. "I know I did not have permission to do so, but I did it in my spare time."

"What is it?" the taiyoukai inquired, fighting back a sigh. Now that he had checked in on his paperwork, he was looking forward to heading to bed early with his angel.

"It would be best if I showed you rather than told you," he said, swallowing hard. "And I think your Lady would also be interested in seeing it."

Now Sesshoumaru did sigh. Without a word, he stepped into the hallway. He could hear footsteps approaching, and he knew, from the sound alone, that it was Kagome and the children. "Kagome," he said with a small smirk. "There is something Seiko would like to show us." Turning back to the dungeon-master turned painter, he said, "Lead the way."